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Topic Review (Newest First)

11-06-2013 01:28 PM

gedaggett

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

I sail on a Ranger 29 that has 2 manual pumps in the cockpit. I would imagine if I have to use both it is just to stay afloat till the coasties get to me.

11-06-2013 01:03 PM

miatapaul

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

Yes, you want a manual pump and one that you can use from the steering station. You don't want to have to go below to pump as a manual hand pump would require. that way you can keep watch while pumping, and if it flails to keep up you will be on deck. I looked at one boat that had the normal spot to put a pump handle in the cockpit and one in the head. I asked if it was a manual pump out for the holding tank, and he said no just another manual bilge pump. Guess he had two activities he did not want disturbed if he had to go to manual pump mode!

I too had a cockpit sole bilge pump that didn't pump much at all and leaked water into the boat. I got a new one, installed it in the side of the cockpit instead of the floor, and epoxied the old hole shut. You DO want the manual pump - mine pumps WAY more than both electrics combined and way way more than a handheld type.

This is what I was going to suggest. Install a bulkhead mounted pump, and seal up the old hole. I don't see why you couldn't install the access port.

11-05-2013 07:37 AM

FirstCandC

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

I hate it when everyone else is right!

11-04-2013 11:59 PM

PaulinVictoria

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

Yep, as long as you can make the hose stay in the sink, and you remember to open the seacock etc. Can't beat the simplicity of hanging a hose off the toerail, or better still going for it with a properly mounted manual bilge pump.

...Have you actually tried pumping out from the bilge overboard using your hand pump? You do have a hose that reaches right? If you are alone and pumping like crazy, the last thing you want to be doing is stopping pumping to go and empty the bucket overboard.

Or you can pump into the galley sink or head sink.

11-04-2013 09:11 PM

PaulinVictoria

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

Rebuild the manual pump, I've done this on two Whale pumps and in both cases I didn't actually have to replace any of the seals or the diaphragm. Both times there was corrosion in the pump body and when everything was cleaned up and reassembled the pumps were good as new.
Have you actually tried pumping out from the bilge overboard using your hand pump? You do have a hose that reaches right? If you are alone and pumping like crazy, the last thing you want to be doing is stopping pumping to go and empty the bucket overboard.

11-04-2013 05:54 PM

asdf38

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

I have an inspection plate (screw on type) in that area and it's quite useful. If it leaks it doesn't leak much. This year I went 2 months without enough water to prime my bilge pump. The particular location is important - I wouldn't want an inspection plate in a place where water can actually pool.

Perhaps refurbish the pump and bed it with this. Even if the pump shifts from the stress of use, the butyl should maintain a seal.

11-04-2013 05:03 PM

Coquina

Re: My Manual Bilge Pump is Useless

I too had a cockpit sole bilge pump that didn't pump much at all and leaked water into the boat. I got a new one, installed it in the side of the cockpit instead of the floor, and epoxied the old hole shut. You DO want the manual pump - mine pumps WAY more than both electrics combined and way way more than a handheld type.

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